Ilurqusitigut
Cultural practices and tradition serve many purposes. Often these traditions not only help define a community, but they also create a community. They also have healing properties in that they help us make connections within ourselves, to feel a sense of belonging and to strengthen one’s sense of identity and purpose.
Honouring Inuit Knowledge, Supporting Cultural Vitality
The Ilurqusitigut Program is a cultural education initiative led by Kativik Ilisarniliriniq to support communities in Nunavik in preserving, revitalizing, and promoting Inuit traditional knowledge, skills, and values. The program is grounded in the belief that culture is the foundation of learning, identity, and healing. Through hands-on activities, intergenerational teaching, and local collaboration, Ilurqusitigut helps strengthen pride and connection to Inuit heritage, empowering both youth and adults across the region.
Participants who complete certain Ilurqusitigut workshops may be eligible to receive credits for optional courses toward their Secondary School Diploma. This credit recognition provides an opportunity for learners to deepen their cultural knowledge while advancing in their formal education.
What Does the Program Do?
- Support communities: We offer educational support to local resources for the development and implementation of the Ilurqusitigut curriculum.
- Coordinate cultural activities: We collaborate with Nunavik communities to host workshops, FM radio shows, on-the-land excursions, and community gatherings.
- Empower local facilitators: We guide facilitators in managing content, program delivery, and promotion—ensuring they have the tools to succeed.
What We Promote
Ilurqusitigut supports a wide range of traditional and modern cultural themes.
- Inuit Skills & knowledge: Clothing, tools, equipment, hunting, survival, sewing, drum dancing, tunniit (tattoos), storytelling, and more.
- Traditional activities: Inuit games, seasonal harvests, on-the-land learning, family customs, child-rearing practices.
- Identity & healing: Fostering Inuit pride, self-confidence, reconnection with culture, language, and a sense of purpose in today’s world.
Looking for Inuit Knowledge Keepers
We are currently seeking Inuit culture teachers and instructors who are passionate about passing on traditional knowledge. If you are interested in sharing your expertise and working with others who support Inuit culture, we want to hear from you. We also welcome partnerships with other organizations that share this vision.